§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to publish the housing policy review and if he will make a statement. [7546]
§ Mr. MossI have today placed in the Library of the House the Government's proposals for future housing policy in Northern Ireland entitled "Building on Success". This review has taken place following extensive local consultations in Northern Ireland. Those who responded, almost without exception, praised the work of the Housing Executive in providing and managing public sector housing. The Government are determined to build on that success. The proposals published today seek to strengthen the executive's role in a number of important strategic ways including the determination of the locations for all new social housing, their subsequent allocation, the monitoring and oversight of housing associations and the private rented sector, and urban and rural regeneration. I want to maximise the private housebuilding sector's contribution, and also that of housing associations which have access to private finance. The document outlines proposals through which this could take place, together with a number of other policy proposals which the Government believe will help achieve their housing objectives for Northern Ireland. I have now initiated consultations on these proposals, with comments sought by 31 March 1996, following which decisions will be taken.